Minamoto Mitsunao

Hemi Mitsunao (1153-) was a general of the Kamakura Minamoto.

Biography
Hemi Mitsunao was born to the Hemi clan, who were loyal to the Kamakura Minamoto clan. In 1177 his father asked lord Minamoto Yoritomo if Mitsunao, a fine warrior, could lead Minamoto forces to glory as a general. He was given command of an army in Kamakura, and was sent to march west with his army to check the Taira advance. In winter he tried to capture Hamamatsu, the capital of Totomi Province and the Ii, and although he failed, he defeated Ii Yasutomi's army when he pursued him. He later forced the castle of Hamamatsu to surrender, defeating the Ii and forcing them to become vassals.

In 1181 he invaded Mikawa and took over the land from the Honda without much casualties, as the garrison defending the city had been small. He also took Inazawa and Owari Province from the Honda clan in Autumn 1181. His campaigns were brilliant, winning most of the battles that he fought, and he liberated Mino Province for the Toki to rule. When Honda Takashige recaptured the city in early 1183 Mitsunao counterattacked and the city was liberated for a second time, and Takashige was killed.